Schapendoes vs Rat Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Schapendoes
Foundation Stock Service
Rat Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Schapendoes Overview
Schapendoes are distinctive Dutch herding dogs with a shaggy, long-haired coat and expressive eyes. Their medium-sized, well-proportioned frame supports an athletic build ideal for agile movement. Known for their friendly and watchful nature, these dogs combine intelligence with a lively spirit. Their most striking feature is their abundant coat, which forms a natural mane around their face and neck.
Rat Terrier Overview
Rat Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with a smooth, short coat and distinctive erect ears. Their athletic build reflects their heritage as skilled hunters, combining speed with agility. These versatile terriers showcase a balanced blend of strength and refinement, featuring a wedge-shaped head, dark expressive eyes, and a naturally graceful gait that speaks to their sporting background.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Schapendoess are less energetic than Rat Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Schapendoess require less grooming attention compared to Rat Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Schapendoess tend to be more reserved with strangers than Rat Terriers.
- Trainability: Rat Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Rat Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Rat Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Schapendoess typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Schapendoes and Rat Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Schapendoes | Rat Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-18 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Schapendoes | Rat Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-20 inches 41-51 cm | 10-18 inches 25-46 cm |
| Weight | 26-55 lbs 12-25 kg | 10-25 lbs 5-11 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Schapendoes | Rat Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Watchful, Lively | Friendly, Inquisitive, Lovable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Schapendoes | Rat Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Schapendoes Temperament
The Schapendoes is known for being friendly, watchful, lively, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Rat Terrier Temperament
The Rat Terrier is characterized by being friendly, inquisitive, lovable, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Schapendoes and Rat Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Schapendoes
Rating: 3/5
Rat Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Schapendoes
Rating: 5/5
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Schapendoes
Rating: 3/5
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Schapendoes
Rating: 1/5
Rat Terrier
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Schapendoes
Rating: 3/5
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Schapendoes Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Schapendoess require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Schapendoess require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Rat Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Rat Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Rat Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Schapendoes Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Cataracts
- Epilepsy
- Dental Issues
Rat Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Dental Issues
- Heart Murmurs
- Eye Problems
- Hip Issues
Pros & Cons
Schapendoes
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Highly trainable
- Weather-resistant coat
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- High exercise needs
- Can be vocal
- Strong herding instinct
Rat Terrier
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Low maintenance grooming
- Good with children
- Highly trainable
- Adaptable to various living situations
Cons
- Can be vocal
- High prey drive
- May be stubborn
- Requires regular exercise
- Can be territorial
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Schapendoes and Rat Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.